The Niyomsheba Songs, October 2014
These are the Niyomsheba songs, a private ritual in which the Mitra Thakurs of Mainadal sing kirtan or the praise of Chaitanya and his five principal disciples who spread his teachings. In contrast to the essentially public Nandotsav singing, amplified and propagated, when the temple gates are opened for all to come and join in the celebration of the birth of Krishna, here the music is only for the insider singer and listener. Nirmalendu Mitra Thakur leads this small group of singers. They sing this same song day after day for a whole month.
Morning singing, with kartal or cymbals
Recordist: Sukanta Majumdar, 7 October 2014
Evening singing with khol or clay drums and kartal
Recordist: Sukanta Majumdar, 6 October 2014
Night singing with khol, kashor, bells
Recordist: Sukanta Majumdar, 6 October 2014
Circumambulating the temple in the morning
Video: Moushumi.
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